While defensive troubles is far from a new problem for Man United, this season's backline woes has been a real cause for concern for Erik ten Hag.
Few would have believed that a centre back partnership of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans would be the side's most used pairing at this stage of the season, considering the club's colossal spending in recent time, but this is the world Man United fans are currently living in.
With Jonny Evans now ruled out for the next several weeks after he suffered a thigh injury during last week's 4-3 defeat at the hands of Copenhagen, Raphael Varane - who's been linked to a move to Saudi Arabia in January - will likely be drafted back into the backline after recovering from his latest injury setback.
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Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof have also had injury plagued campaigns to date, and with Varane's record when it comes to time spent in the medical department, United are certainly light when it comes to options.
It's no secret that the Red Devils are in the market for a new centre half and it appears that they have their eyes set on one of Serie A's biggest talents.
Man United to swoop in for AS Roma centre back
Italian outlet Il Romanista is reporting that AS Roma's Gianluca Mancini at the top of Man United's wishlist.
Despite the club possibly wanting a more urgent arrival for the second half of this campaign, the report claims that AS Roma won't sell until next summer.
The Italian international has been one of Serie A's standout defenders this season, playing in 16 games so far for Jose Mourinho's side.
While the former Man United manager will be keen to keep his vice-captain, should a sizeable bid come in for him, he could be tempted to let his defender leave.
Most importantly for United, Gianluca Mancini has missed just seven games through injuries in the past five seasons, a record that the club are far from used to when it comes to defensive options.
Roma extended Mancini's contract last summer and that deal currently runs until the summer of 2027, but according to reports in Italy, he could be available for around €30 million. If a deal could be completed for this price, it would be a bargain in comparison to some recent incomings at the club.
Juventus is also reportedly keen on Mancini, but AS Roma will likely prefer to let their man leave for foreign shores rather than boost a rivals squad.
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